Kalamazoo County - Committee of the Whole - December 2, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners meeting focuses on challenges related to childcare accessibility and funding cuts impacting local providers. Public comments highlight the urgent need for community investment in childcare to support families and providers facing economic hardships. The YWCA Kalamazoo and other organizations emphasize the dire situation and propose solutions like childcare vouchers and expanded employer participation in support programs. Additionally, the meeting features a presentation by interim health officer Deb Lenz, who outlines her vision for the department, emphasizing workforce stability, equity, and community partnerships. Lenz addresses pressing health issues, including infant mortality disparities and the impact of social determinants of health like housing on community wellbeing. Her presentation sets the stage for the board's consideration of her permanent appointment.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:49)
The meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners is officially started.

The Chair calls the meeting of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners to order.
Roll Call (00:00:59)
Roll call is conducted to confirm the attendance of commissioners at the meeting.

The clerk calls the roll of commissioners, noting present members and those absent due to conflicts. Commissioner Wheeler is noted as absent due to a work conflict but will join later.
Public Comment (00:01:32)
Members of the public address the board on various issues, primarily focusing on childcare concerns in Kalamazoo County.

Public comments are made by several individuals representing various organizations and community members. Key issues raised include the need for better childcare facilities, funding, and support for families and providers. Speakers highlight challenges such as the cost of childcare, low wages for childcare workers, and the impact on the local economy. Solutions proposed include childcare vouchers and increased community investment.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:20:54)
The finance director presents the accounts payable and payroll disbursements for the board's review and approval.

Finance Director Ryan Post presents the accounts payable and payroll disbursements. A question is raised about a housing grant reimbursement, which is clarified to be reimbursed by LISC. The board reviews the details and no further questions are raised.
Health Officer Finalist Presentation (00:23:15)
Interim Health Officer Deb Lenz presents her vision and qualifications for the role of Health Officer to the board.

Deb Lenz, the interim Health Officer, presents her qualifications and vision for the Health Department. She outlines her experience and leadership values, emphasizing internal alignment, equity, community engagement, modernization, and trust. She presents a roadmap for the department and discusses strategies for achieving public health goals in Kalamazoo County.
Closing Remarks from Health Officer (00:34:52)
The health officer outlines key priorities for the year, focusing on strengthening the internal foundation, equity, community partnerships, modernizing systems, and building trust.

The health officer thanked the commissioners for their service and presented a clear vision for the upcoming year. The focus includes strengthening the internal foundation of the department, embedding equity at all levels of work, deepening community and county partnerships, modernizing systems for better responsiveness, and building visibility and trust. The health officer emphasized the responsibility and seriousness of the position, committing to lead with clarity, accountability, collaboration, and compassion.
Commissioner Questions to Health Officer (00:36:28)
Commissioners asked the health officer questions about certification, infant mortality rates, COVID-19 decisions, and support for women of color.

Commissioners engaged with the health officer by asking questions about her certification and the department's handling of issues such as infant mortality rates, particularly among Black infants, and the decision-making process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The health officer responded by explaining the steps taken to ensure certification and the community partnerships in place to address health disparities. She emphasized the importance of informed decision-making and community engagement in addressing public health challenges.
Discussion on Maternal Health and Advocacy (00:48:10)
The health officer discussed strategies to address maternal health disparities and improve advocacy for women of color in healthcare settings.

In response to questions about maternal health, the health officer highlighted the ongoing efforts to address disparities, particularly among women of color. She discussed the role of community health workers and nurses in home visitation programs, who provide education and resources to help women advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. The health officer acknowledged the challenges faced by women of color in being heard by healthcare providers and emphasized the importance of community partnerships and education in overcoming these barriers.
Public Health Funding Challenges (00:58:38)
The health officer addressed potential funding threats to public health programs and strategies to mitigate these risks.

In addressing questions about funding, the health officer discussed the potential threats to public health funding, particularly federal grants like the HRSA grant. She outlined strategies to advocate for continued support, including engaging with national offices and legislators to highlight the impact on maternal and child health programs. The health officer emphasized the importance of securing diverse funding sources to sustain essential public health services amidst shifting federal and state priorities.